Display and storage container

ABSTRACT

A container or carton adapted to be made from a one piece die cut blank that when assembled has a partition dividing same into two separate storage areas each adapted to store a candle or the like therein. Perforations extend around the container when assembled to facilitate separating the container into two similar body sections, each having closure flaps to close open ends whereby the two sections each form a base member forming a holder of area or size for holding a candle or the like in an upstanding position for use or for display. One wall of each of the body sections has cut lines therein whereby a plurality of panels are formed so that an end of a respective candle can be inserted through the wall by bending the panels inwardly forming a hole that is in alignment with a hole through the partition so that each body section has spaced candle engaging portions that hold a candle in an upright position.

United States Patent [1 1 Tupper [111 3,853,259 Dec. 10, 1974 1 DlSPLAY AND STORAGE CONTAINER [76] Inventor: Thomas J. Tupper, 2201 Grand 'Ave., Kansas City, Mo. 64108 22 Filed: Feb. 4, 1974 [21] App]. No.: 439,556

[52] US. Cl. 229/15, 229/51 DB, 206/485 [51] Int. Cl.. 865d l/36 [58] Field of Search 229/51 DB, 38, 33, 15;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 200,003 2/1878 Sprowles 229/15 Primary Examiner-Davis T. Moorhea d Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Fishburh, Gold & Litman [57] ABSTRACT A container or carton adapted to be made from a one piece die cut blank that when assembled has a partition dividing same into two separate storage areas each adapted to store a candle or the like therein. Perforations extend around the container when assembled to facilitate separating the container into two similar body sections, each having closure flaps to close open ends whereby the two sections each form a base member forming a holder of area or size for holding a candle or the like in an upstanding position for use or for display. One wall of each of the body sections has cut lines therein whereby a plurality of panels are formed so that an end of a respective candle can be inserted through the wall by bending the panels inwardly forming a hole that is in alignment with a hole through the partition so that each body section has spaced candle engaging portions that hold a candle in an upright position.

10 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures 1 DISPLAY AND STORAGE CONTAINER The principal objects of the present invention are: to provide a container or carton adapted to be made from a single die cut blank whereby the container is particularly adapted to store and display merchandise such as candles or the like; to provide such a container with a partition for separating the interior thereof into two separate elongate storage areas extending the length of the container for storing a plurality of objects; to provide such a container made from one piece die cut blank with score lines and weakened line for separation of the container into two similar sections with closure flaps for each to form each into a closed box like candle holder; to provide such a container with one wall having a plurality of cutlines forming a plurality of panels which are bent inwardly into the interior of the container to form a hole through the wall to retain the candle in upstanding position with the one wall having a substantially uninterrupted surface until it is desired to display or use the contents; to provide such a container with a hole through the partition for receiving a candle or the like therethrough to provide spaced apart candle engaging portions and help prevent movement of same when inserted therethrough; to provide such a container with weakened lines extending therearound making same easily separable into two body sections each adapted to separately hold a candle or the like; to provide such a container which-can be folded flat to reduce the area required for shipping or storage of same and to provide such a container that is easy and economical to make, easy to assemble and use, and well adapted for its intended use.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display and storage container with one end thereof shown in an open position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a separated body section of the display container forming a candle holder, a candle being shown in broken lines.

FIG. 3 is a section view of the container taken along the lines 33, FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the blank employed in manufacturing of the container.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

As required. detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriate-detailed structure.

The reference numeral 1 designates generally an elongate container having opposite ends 2 and 3 and is formed by a plurality of wall members which include top and bottom walls 5 and 6 respectively, and side walls 7 and 8 with the top wall 5 having means thereon for forming openings 9therethrough. A partition 11 is positioned in the interior of the container 1 and separates same into a plurality of separate storage areas 12 and 13 with each adapted to receive and store in elongate object such as acandle 14 or the like. The container 1 is provided with weakened areas in certain of the walls to facilitate separating same into a plurality of separate body members 16, each adapted to support a candle or like object in an upstanding position by inserting same through the respective opening 9.

in the illustrated structure, the container 1 is an elongate structure having a generally rectangular crosssection and it is to be noted, however, that other crosssectional shapes can be used with the container 1 preferably having a substantially flat bottom wall 6. The

ends 2 and 3 are normally closed in any suitable manposition wherein the panel 19 overlies same when the closure member 18 is in the closed position, wherein the panel 19 is inserted into the container holding the closure member 18 in the closed position. Means are provided in the top wall 5 for forming openings therethrough and preferably the means are such as to provide a substantially smooth and uninterrupted surface until it is desired to display a candle or the like. In this regard the opening forming means includes a plurality of weakened or cut lines'23 spaced apart and extending radially outwardly from a common point thereby forming a plurality of panels 24 that are generally V-shaped and by pushing inwardly on the panels 24 so that same fold on score lines 24', the openings 9 are formed which are illustrated as polygonal in shape.

The partition 11 may be of any suitable form and preferably is retained within the container 1, extending diagonallybetween opposite corners in the interior of the container 1, thereby dividing same into the two separate storage areas 12 and 13. The partition 11 separates the cnadles l4 preventing them from contacting one another during storage. The partition 11 preferably has apertures 25 therethrough, each positioned in axial alignment with a respective opening 9 and spaced therefrom. The edges defining the apertures 25 and the openings 9 contact a candle or like object inserted therethrough in spaced apart positions to prevent same from titling during display.

It is preferred that the container 1 be formed from a single blank 27 of the semi-rigid material wherein the partition 11 is integral with and extends from edges of certain of the walls and as illustrated, the partition 11 includes a pair of panels 28 and 29 with the panel 28 being integral with and extending from an edge of the sidewall 8 and the panel 29 is integral with and extends from an edge of the wall 6. Portions of the panels 28 and 29 overlie one another and are secured together such as by gluing as at 30 to hold the container 1 in its generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. Preferably the partition 11 has a free edge 31 and it is to be noted that the container 1 has the component parts thereof so arranged so that the container 1 itself can be shipped or stored in' flat condition whereby the top wall 5 and bottom wall 6 engage opposite sides of the partition 1 l and the closure members 18 are in an open position.

The container 1 preferably is provided with means so that same is easily separable into a plurality of body sections 16 as illustrated in FIG. 2 with each of the body sections 16 being adapted to hold a candle 14 in an upright position. In the illustrated structure, a weakened line 33 extends around the periphery of the container 1 preferably midway between the ends 2 and 3 thereof. Preferably the weakened line 33 is a combination of perforations and cut-lines that are so arranged to form closure members 34 and 35 similar to the closure member 18 and ears 36 similar to the cars 21. The panels 28 and 29 are also provided with weakened lines so that panel portions 37 and 38 respectively thereof are removable upon separation of the body sections 16.

The separation of the container 1 is best illustrated by reference to FIG. 4. The panel 37 is defined by side perforated lines 40 and a cut-line 41 and the panel 38 is defined by side perforated or weakened lines 42 and a cut-line 43 wherein the panels 37 and 38 are removable by separating same from the remainder of the re- 7 spective panels 28 and 29. The central portions of the side walls 7 and 8 are provided with weakened areas for separation to form ears 36 similar to the ears 21. In this regard a perforated line 44 extends the height of the side walls 7 and 8 allowing the side walls 7 and 8 to separate. Two removable sections 45 are provided on each of the side walls 7 and 8 that are partially defined by cut-lines and the perforated lines 44 and are separable to form beveled corners 46 on each of the cars 36. The closure members 34 and 35 are similar with each including panels 48 and 49 similar to the panels 19 and 20. In the illustrated structure, the closure member 34 is defined by side cut-lines 50 and 51 and a perforated line 52. Removable sections 53 are provided in the top wall and defined partially by the cut-lines 50 and 51,

a cut line 54 and the perforated or weakened line 52- whereupon when removed by breaking along the perforated line a rounded corner is formed on each side edge of the panel 48. The closure 35 is similar to the closure member 34 and is defined by cut-lines 56 and 43 and a perforated line 58 and having removable sections 59 similar to the sections 53 which are partially defined by the cut-lines 56 and 43, the perforated lines 58 and cutlines 60.

Preferably the container 1 is made from a single dicut blank of material such as cardboard or the like, having an attractive exterior finish thereon. Score lines are provided to facilitate folding of the container for assembly wherein the panel 28 has a score line 62 between same and the side wall 8 and the side wall 8 has a score line 63 between same and top wall 5 which has a score line 64 between same and the side wall 7 which has a score line 65 between same and the bottom wall 6 which has a score line 66 between same and the panel 29. Folds are made along the score line 62, 63, 64, 65 and 66 wherein the panels 28 and 29 secured together as described above to form the container 1. When it is desired to separate the container 1 into the body member 16, the perforated or weakened lines 40, 42, 52, 44 and 58 are separated and the panels 37 and 38 and the removable sections 45, 53 and 59 are removed. The closure member 34 is then inserted suitably into one of the body members 16 for closing the end thereof and the closure member 35 is inserted into the other body member 16 for closing the open end thereof. Candles or like objects can then be inserted through the opening 9 by bending the panels 24 inwardly wherein the bottom portion of the candle extends through the opening'9 and the respective aligned aperture 25. The use of panels 24 provides a substantially smooth and uninterrupted surface on the exterior of the container 1 and when bent inwardly engage the exterior surface of the candle to help hold same in its upstanding position as illustrated in FIG. 2 and helps to compensate for variations in size of different candles 14.

It is to be understood that while I have illlustrated and described certain forms of my invention, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. A storage and display container comprising:

a. walls defining a hollow container;

b. first means on one of said walls for forming a plurality of spaced apart openings therethrough;

c. a partition in said container and having certain of said walls on opposite sides thereof and separating said container into a plurality of separate storage areas for separating objects stored in said container said partition having apertures therethrough spaced from and in axial alignment with a respective said opening formed by said first means; and d. second means on certain of said walls for facilitating separating said container into a plurality of separate body members each having first means and respective aperture.

2. The container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second means including:

a. at least one weakened line in certain of said walls and extending around said container for facilitating the separating of same into the body members each having at least one opening and respective aperture adapted to receive an object therein to hold same in a generally upright position.

3. The container as set forth in claim 2 wherein:

a. said first means includes a plurality of weakened lines diverging outwardly from a common point forming a plurality of panels that are pushed inwardly into said container for forming said opening; and

b. said container having a generally rectangular cross section with said partition extending generally diagonally between corners formed by adjacent walls in the interior of the container.

4. The container as set forth in claim 2 including:

a. first closure members on opposite ends of said container for normally closing same; and I b. second closure members formed from portions of certain of said walls and being defined by said weakened line for closing open ends of said body members after separating said container into said and bottom walls with said bottom wall being substantially flat.

6. The container as set forth in claim 5 wherein:

a. said partition including a first panel connected to and extending from an edge of one of said walls and a second panel connected to and extending from an edge of another of said walls adjacent said one wall edge with portions of one panel overlying and secured to a portion of the other said panel.

7. A candle container and holder comprising:

a. walls defining an elongate hollow container having opposite ends;

b. a transverse partition in the interior of said container dividing same into a plurality of separate elongate storage areas each adapted to contain a candle therein said partition having a plurality of spaced apart apertures therethrough;

c. first means on one of said walls for forming a plurality of spaced apart openings therethrough each in axial alignment with a respective said aperture whereby each of said opening and respective aperture are adapted to receive a candle therethrough and provide spaced apart candles engaging portions to hold'sam e in an upstanding position; and

d. at least one closure member on said container and selectively movable to an open position for providing access to the interior of said container.

8. The container as set forth in claim 6 including:

a. a weakened line in certain of said walls and extending around said container for facilitating separating same into a plurality of separate body members each having at least one opening and respective aperture substantially centered thereon, each said body member being adapted to hold a respective candle in an upstanding position.

9. The container as set forth in claim 7 wherein:

a. said weakened line being such as to form a closure member for each said body member whereby the separated ends of said body members are selectively closed by the respective closure member.

10. The container as set forth in claim 7 wherein:

a. said walls, closure member, partition, and first means being formed from a single blank of material having portions thereof overlapping and secured together to form said containerpand b. said first means includes a plurality of cut lines forming a plurality of panels thatare pushed into the interior of the container to form each said opening. 

1. A storage and display container comprising: a. walls defining a hollow container; b. first means on one of said walls for forming a plurality of spaced apart openings therethrough; c. a partition in said container and having certain of said walls on opposite sides thereof and separating said container into a plurality of separate storage areas for separating objects stored in said container said partition having apertures therethrough spaced from and in axial alignment with a respective said opening formed by said first means; and d. second means on certain of said walls for facilitating separating said container into a plurality of separate body members each having first means and respective aperture.
 2. The container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second means including: a. at least one weakened line in certain of said walls and extending around said container for facilitating the separating of same into the body members each having at least one opening and respective aperture adapted to receive an object therein to hold same in a generally upright position.
 3. The container as set forth in claim 2 wherein: a. said first means includes a plurality of weakened lines diverging outwardly from a common point forming a plurality of panels that are pushed inwardly into said container for forming said opening; and b. said container having a generally rectangular cross section with said partition extending generally diagonally between corners formed by adjacent walls in the interior of the container.
 4. The container as set forth in claim 2 including: a. first closure members on opposite ends of said container for normally closing same; and b. second closure members formed from portions of certain of said walls and being defined by said weakened line for closing open ends of said body members after separating said container into said body members.
 5. The container as set forth in claim 4 wherein: a. said walls, first means, second means, first and second closure members and said partition being integral and formed from a single blank of semi-rigid material with portions thereof secured together to form said container, said walls including side top and bottom walls with said bottom wall being substantially flat.
 6. The container as set forth in claim 5 wherein: a. said partition including a first panel connected to and extending from an edge of one of said walls and a second panel connected to and extending from an edge of another of said walls adjacent said one wall edge with portions of one panel overlying and secured to a portion of the other said panel.
 7. A candle container and holder comprising: a. walls defining an elongate hollow container having opposite ends; b. a transverse partition in the interior of said container dividing same into a plurality of separate elongate storage areas each adapted to contain a candle therein said partition having a plurality of spaced apart apertures therethrough; c. first means on one of said walls for forming a plurality of spaced apart openings therethrough each in axial alignment with a respective said aperture whereby each of said opening and respective aperture are adapted to receive a candle therethrough and provide spaced apart candles engaging portions to hold same in an upstanding position; and d. at least one closure member on said container and sElectively movable to an open position for providing access to the interior of said container.
 8. The container as set forth in claim 6 including: a. a weakened line in certain of said walls and extending around said container for facilitating separating same into a plurality of separate body members each having at least one opening and respective aperture substantially centered thereon, each said body member being adapted to hold a respective candle in an upstanding position.
 9. The container as set forth in claim 7 wherein: a. said weakened line being such as to form a closure member for each said body member whereby the separated ends of said body members are selectively closed by the respective closure member.
 10. The container as set forth in claim 7 wherein: a. said walls, closure member, partition, and first means being formed from a single blank of material having portions thereof overlapping and secured together to form said container; and b. said first means includes a plurality of cut lines forming a plurality of panels that are pushed into the interior of the container to form each said opening. 